Filner: ‘I must become a better person’

As the number of prominent, credible women accusing San Diego Mayor Bob Filner (D) of unwanted sexual advances continues to grow, the flailing mayor delivered a statement this afternoon, announcing his new plan.

In front of a reporters and cameras, Filner announced “words are not enough” before a microphone failure interrupted the long-awaited statement.

“It is simply not acceptable for me to try and explain away my conduct as the product of standards of a different generation,” Filner said adding that he has apologized to his staff and citizens who have supported him. “Most of all I apologize to the women I have offended,” he said.

“Offended” almost certainly isn’t the right word, and reinforces the perception that this guy doesn’t fully understand what he’s alleged to have done.

As the calls for Filner to resign grow louder – the chorus now includes Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz – the mayor continues to insist he won’t give up his office, despite the seriousness of the allegations. Instead, Filner plans to take two weeks off for “intensive therapy” sessions at a behavioral counseling clinic.

“I must become a better person,” he said, apparently convinced two weeks of therapy will make that happen.

Watching this afternoon, I got the impression the mayor thinks he’s solving the problem by apologizing and seeking professional help. What Filner doesn’t appear to realize is that anything short of resignation will probably be insufficient.